Beyond COP26: can income level moderate fossil fuels, carbon emissions, and human capital for healthy life expectancy in Africa?

Abstract

The growing concerns on the need to moderate the unceasing surge in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions believed to be detrimental to the environment and wellbeing of the human race have generated concerted efforts from governments and policymakers worldwide. Among many other factors, fossil fuels which remain the most consumed energy resource have been identified as the primary culprit to demeaning life expectancy. To this end, this study probes how income mediates between fossil fuels and carbon emissions to promote life expectancy in selected oil-abundant African economies from 1980 to 2019. The roles of human capital through investment in education are considered in the current inquiry. The empirical evidence is anchored on second-generation tests comprising cross-sectional dependence, slope homogeneity, and Westerlund cointegration tests. The empirical model is estimated based on advanced panel techniques comprising cross-sectional dependence autoregressive distributed lag model, common correlated effects mean group, augmented mean group, and quantile regression. Findings from the study reveal that fossil fuels and carbon emissions reduce life expectancy. Besides, income level promotes healthy life expectancy while equally subduing the negative impacts of fossil fuels on it. Additionally, the life-improving roles of human capital are empirically confirmed. Based on the findings, withdrawing the subsidies on fossil fuels and making aggregate income inclusive are among the key policies formulated.